Example
“After repeated late arrivals, the coach laid down the law about punctuality.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
lay a finger on
CEFR B2to touch or interfere with a person, usually in a warning against causing harm
fall in line
CEFR B1to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority
under lock and key
CEFR B1kept securely locked away so that access or escape is prevented
hold the line
CEFR B2to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
take liberties
CEFR B2behave with more freedom or authority than is acceptable, often without permission
every which way
CEFR B1in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.